Group 3 -Sociocultural - Nandini [16DSem7]

8/11/2019 Group 3 -Sociocultural - Nandini [16DSem7]

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C U L T U R A L G E O G R A P H YS E R I E S

1 9 6 9

N A N D I N I D U T T A

1 6 D / S E M E S T E R 7

F O A , M A N I P A L

House Form & CultureAmos Rapoport


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Overview:

This book deals with identifyingthe determining factors in whatform, or physical arrangement,human dwellings take, in thecontext of popular or vernaculararchitecture.

This is can be a good design toolon the scale of a house or anurban settlement.

It examines the physicaldeterminist theory (Chapter 2),taking the argument that man

was a symbol-making animalbefore he was a tool-makinganimal. [p.42, #5]

Examples from history are usedto support these arguments.

It then identifies a number ofinfluences (Chapter 3) underclassifications of determiningfactors and modifying factors,

while explaining that no singlecause can take credit for the formdeveloped but that socio-cultural

forces primarily act behind ourchoices.

Such socio-cultural forces areexplained, and the relationship ofdwelling to settlement.

Chapters 4-5 (not reviewed here)

deal with the physical structure ofhouses in response to climate,material and building techniques.

It concludes with the determinantsof the (then) present-day scenario,

which is still largely appropriate.


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Chapter 2: PhysicalDeterminism

Climate and the Need for Shelter:

The author argues the question ofwhy so many forms of the househave been developed within thelimited number of climatic zones.[p.19 # 7]

Differences in urban patterns andhouse types within one area showthem to be much more related toculture than climate.

Sometimes, the way of life leads toalmost anti-climatic solutions, due to:

- Economic activity

- Status, social organization

- Imported attitudes towardsprivacy, usage of spaces and theirsequence, etc.

- Religious prescriptions


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Chapter 2: contd.

Materials, Construction &Technology:

In societies with limitedtechnology, the materials thatcan be used constrain the forms.With more complex building

techniques, more forms can bedeveloped. But,

knowledge of technology doesnot mean it will be used.

[p.25, #1]

The same materials can result inmany different forms.

The author argues that thesefactors modify the form, ratherthan determine it, and that theydo not decide what is to be built.


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Chapter 2: contd.

Site:

The author suggests that the siteinfluences both the city and the housebut does not determine its form.

In choosing the site, its effect iscultural rather than only physicalbecause the site represents the goalsand values defined by a particular

culture or group of people.

Tradition may cause people topreserve a site which is unsuitable inmany other ways.

Religion:

Saying that religion is the one cause

for a given form is oversimplifying thecase; it offers the choice of symbolsand, therefore, possibilities.

everything, including the house, canassume symbolic significance.

[p.41, #4]


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Chapter 2: contd.

Defense:The value system and the focus of thedefense varies from culture to culture.Defense may often be symbolic aswell.

The author argues that defense, whenit plays a part, is never alone indetermining form.

Many factors are neglected byaccepting defense as the onlydeterminant.

[p.33, #3]

Economics:

Things that make good economicsense are not always the choice taken,due to tradition, prestige or lifestyle.

Similar forms of economy still lead todifferent arrangements of ruralsettlements because of socialorganization.

There is a variety of ways that needsare met, comprised of the sameelements but handling therequirements differently.


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Chapter 3:The physical choices arenumerous, the actualchoices may be severelylimited by the culturalmatrix

[p. 47, #1]

Physical factors like climate,technology and materials, or siteare modifying factors whilecertain non-physical forces,referred to as socio-cultural,are the primary deciding factors.

The dominance of any of thesevariables is a result of criticality.

When physical criticality is low;choices are possible and decidedprimarily by socio-cultural

factors.

- Basic needs:

Basic needs are defineddifferently by different cultures:howa thing is done may bemore important than whatisdone. [p.60, #4]


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Chapter 3: contd.

Sociocultural factors affecting form

and spatial arrangement include:- Family structure, kinship

- Social organization, like the setupof herder or agrarian societies

- Attitude: The need for religioussanctions and contempt formanual labor (lack ofspecialization) for example

- Position of women

- Need for privacy

- Religion - Ritual orientation ofbuildings or streets is an exampleof this.

Need for security and for socialstimulation, visual complexity andreligious and ceremonial impulse.

The customs, attitudes and thedifferent man-woman relations;social meetings places, nondomesticareas and monumental elements.

The transition from dwelling to streetand beyond, defining thresholds andseparating domains.


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Chapter 3: contd.Relation of House and Settlement:

the living pattern always extendsbeyond the house to some degree

[p.69, #3]

2 types, with various degrees betweenthem:

- The settlement is the setting forlife, the dwelling is a moreprivate, enclosed, sheltered partof the living realm.

- The dwelling is essentially thewhole setting for life, thesettlement, as connective tissue,is secondary in nature, leftover.

Climate, technology and materials,

forces of tradition and economicsurplus are of the past.

Todays constraints are different butno less severe.

Density, population growth,institutionalization of controls (codes,zoning, banks, insurance andplanning bodies, etc.)


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Chapter 6: The Present

With the greater institutionalization andspecialization of modern life how applicable arethese arguments today?

[p.126, #1]

In developing countries there tends to be:

Breakdown of folk arts ,which lose theirsymbolic value in the maelstrom of choices

Application of Western concepts withouttruly considering the choicesavailable/appropriate

In the Western world:

The issue of inclusiveness in society, like newtypologies to fit new behaviors and attitudes(for example the single persons apartment)

The idea that house form can be in thedomain of fashion

The author proposes that:Forms still reflect old concerns. [p.127, #3]People no longer build their own houses, in thetradition of popular or vernacular architecture.However, the houses people buy still reflectpopular aspirations and values and today, theproblem seems to be one of excessive choice.[p.128, #3]

How to make those choices? Socially and culturally valid Economical and affordable Maintenance of the health of the inhabitants Minimum upkeep over the desired lifespan.Vernacular buildings provided a frameworkwithin which peoples socio-cultural choicescharacterized the building and settlement. Thereis a lesson in that.

Group 3 -Sociocultural - Nandini [16DSem7]

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